East Africa Community to harmonize vehicle emission standards

The challenges of air pollution in East Africa attributed to the transport sector - as well as the realization that the region has an old and aging vehicle fleet - were identified as the major threat to public health and the environment. Country vehicle analysis showed that a lack of stringent vehicle regulations in the region was leading the importation or assembly of vehicles with no or obsolete emission technologies. Stakeholders agreed that a “business as usual” culture would not achieve the shift needed towards better air quality and to meet the Paris Climate Agreement targets. Consequently, the sub-region agreed to move towards Euro 4/IV vehicle emission standards as well as legislate periodic emissions testing for in-use vehicles. The role of the media in promoting cleaner consumer choices was emphasized and partnerships amongst the various stakeholders in policy and standards development and implementation.

Better information on the region’s vehicle profile, health impact assessments, and cost-benefit analysis of cleaner vehicle technologies were highlighted as integral to inform policy making. As way forward, draft regionally harmonized standards will be prepared by Tanzania Bureau of Standards that is leading this process for consideration by  the countries.